Tool storage device

ABSTRACT

A tool storage device for storing and dispensing elongated heavy tools, such as forming dies, blades or the like, for metal working machines, includes a mobile supporting frame having a pair of spaced end frames with an axle extending therebetween and a reel mounted on the axle for supporting a plurality of circumferentially spaced tool supporting trays, holders or the like. Power means are operatively connected to the reel for rotating same to move the trays or holders through a generally circular path in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to accurately position any selected one of the trays or holders in alignment with a tool receiving portion of a tool using machine.

United States Patent [151 3,674,155

Kessler 1 July 4, 1972 1541 TOOL STORAGE DEVICE 1,830,373 11/1931Schmidt ..21 1/164 [72] lnventor: Lester A. Kessler, c/o Metcraft Inc.,1203 Prima ry Exammer-Nfle O. Byers, Jr. Mam Grandvlew 64030Att0meyFishburn, Gold and Litman [22] Filed: Nov. 27, 1970 [5 7]ABSTRACT A tool storage device for storing and dispensing elongatedheavy tools, such as forming dies, blades or the like, for metal [22](5| ill/1.22 1]: 2 working machines includes a mobile pp g frame havingi 135. a pair of spaced end frames with an axle extending 1 o aretherebetween and a reel mounted on the axle for supporting a pluralityof circumferentially spaced tool supporting trays, [5 6] R ferencesCited holders or the like. Power means are operatively connected to ethe reel for rotating same to move the trays or holders through UNITEDSTATES PATENTS agenerally circular path in a clockwise orcounterclockwise d1rect1on to accurately pos1t1on any selected one ofthe trays l sa lf "211/164 X or holders in alignment with a toolreceiving portion ofa tool i 0 usin machine. 1,487,540 3/1924 Coker g1,968,01 3 7/1934 Brownson ..221/34 9 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures 3l I0 35 34' 7 :l '5 30 7 I V H PATENTEDJUL "4 I972 SHEET 2 0F 3 m a T. ma V WmM M A n r A e LY. I W M m PATENTEnJuL 4 m2 3,674.1 as SHEET 30F 3INVENTOR.

Lesfer A. Kessler BY y W WJZZZA ATTORNEYS TOOL STORAGE DEVICE Thepresent invention relates to tool storage devices and more particularlyto a mobile tool storage device adapted to accurately position anyselected one of a plurality of tool holders for removal of forming dies,blades or like tools, for metal working machines.

Metal working machines, such as brakes, which bend metal by forcing themetal to conform to the configuration of a pair of forming dies requirea large number of cooperating upper and lower forming dies to form themany shapes desired. Forming dies must resist substantial stressesduring the forming of metal therebetween, therefore, the forming diesare particularly heavy and durable members. Heretofore, forming dieswere stored on the floor adjacent a metal working machine or on fixedshelves at distances therefrom and due to the weight of the forming diesit was necessary to employ expensive machinery or several men to movethe dies from the storage area and install same within the metal workingmachine, all contributing to high equipment and labor costs andexcessive down time during changing forming dies.

Metal working machines are also adapted to form metal having dimensionsvarying substantially the full length of the respective machine torelatively short dimensions, such as two to four feet, thereby requiringforming dies of a plurality of lengths. The combination of the largenumber of shapes or patterns and the plurality of sizes of metal to beworked, therefore, requires that many forming dies must be stored andavailable to permit full utilization of the metal working machine or aplurality of such machines.

The principal objects of the present invention are: to provide a toolstorage device providing convenient storage for the forming dies, bladesor like tools for metal working machines; to provide such a tool storagedevice adapted to store a greater number of tools in the same floor areapreviously used for floor or shelf storage; to provide such a toolstorage device wherein the tools are easily placed in the storage deviceand easily removed therefrom; to provide such a tool storage devicewhich is maneuverable and which will accurately position a selected oneof a plurality of trays or holders in alignment with a tool receivingportion of a tool using machine; to provide such a tool storage deviceparticularly adapted to receive, store, and dispense heavy elongatedtools, such as fonning dies, blades, tools and the like, for metalworking machines; and to provide such a tool storage device which isdurable in construction, positive in operation, easily operated by asingle operator, and which is particularly adapted for the proposed use.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent fromthe following description taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein are set forth by way of illustration and example,certain embodiments of this invention.

FlG. l is a perspective view of a tool storage device embodying featuresof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of one end of the tool storage deviceshowing tray or tool holder moving means.

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of the other end of the tool stroagedevice.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the tool storage device inposition adjacent a tool using machine.

FIG. 5 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 5-5, F IG. 4,showing the construction of one group of tool holders or trays,particularly adapted for storing and dispensing elongated forming dies.

FIG. 6 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 6-6, FIG. 4, showingthe construction of a second group of tool holders or trays,particularly adapted for storing a plurality of shorter forming dies.

Referring more in detail to the drawings:

The reference numeral 1 generally designates a tool storage devicehaving a rotatably mounted reel 2 supporting a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced tool supporting trays or holders 3 which may bemoved into alignment with a tool receiving portion of a tool usingmachine, such as a metal working machine 4 whereby tools, such asforming dies 5 and the like, may be easily removed from the tool storagedevice 1 and installed in the respective tool using machine 4.

The tool storage device 1 includes a mobile supporting frame 6 having apair of spaced upstanding end frames 7 and 8 with connecting membersextending therebetween to form a rigid frame, as later described, havingthe reel 2 extending longitudinally between and rotatably mounted on theend frames 7 and 8. The frame 6 is open at the front to provide easyaccess for placing tools in the tool storage device 1 and removing sametherefrom. The end frames 7 and 8 have sufficient open area to permitmovement of forming dies therethrough from a tool holder 3 on the reel 2to facilitate positioning the selected tool in the metal working machine4.

In the illustrated structure, each end frame has a base member 9 and astandard 10 extending upwardly therefrom with the standard 10 preferablybeing centered longitudinally of the respective base member 9. Front andrear bracing members 11 and 12 respectively extend upwardly fromadjacent opposite ends of the base member 9 and are suitably secured tothe respective standard 10 adjacent an upper end thereof, as by welding.

Each of the end frames 7 and 8 have an upstanding member 13 extendingupwardly from a rear end of the base member 9. An upper bracing member14 extends between and is suitably connected to an upper end of theupstanding member 13 and to the standard 10 adjacent the point ofconnection of the bracing members 11 and 12 to thereby form a pluralityof triangles in each end frame which provides a substantially rigidstructure for each end frame.

The standards 10 each extend above the reel 2 and a connecting member 15extends between and has opposite ends thereof suitably connected toupper ends of the standard 10 in the end frames 7 and 8 respectively, asby welding. Suitable gussets or stiffening members 16 extend between theconnecting member 15 and each of the standards 10 to increase therigidity of the frame 6. Front and rear connecting members 17 and 18respectively extend between the front ends of the base members 9 andbetween the rear ends of the base members 9 respecu'vely and aresuitably secured to the respective ends of the base members 9, as bywelding. An upper tie member 19 extends between the upper end of theupstanding member 10 in the end frames 7 and 8 and is positioned to becleared by the trays 3 during rotation of the reel 2 and the tie member19 is suitably connected thereto, as by welding, thereby forming aparticularly rigid structure.

It is desirable to move the tool storage device 1 from a storage area toa position adjacent the metal working machine 4 or between a pair ofspaced metal working machines for dispensing the desired forming dies 5and then return to the storage area or to be moved adjacent anothermetal working machine, therefore, the base member 9 of each of the endframes 7 and 8 have suitable rotatably mounted surface engagingelements, such as front and rear rollers or casters 20 and 21respectively.

The reel 2 includes an elongated shaft or axle 22 which extends betweenthe end frames 7 and 8 and has opposite ends rotatably mountedthereon,as in suitable bearings 23 supported on a bracket 24 on each ofthe standards 10. The reel 2 is mounted on the shaft or axle 22 and isrotatable therewith and in the illustrated structure, the reel 2 has apair of spaced end members 25 and 26 mounted on the axle of shaft 22 inspaced relation inwardly of the end frames 7 and 8 respectively, wherebythe reel 2 is mounted for rotation within the frame 6. The end members25 and 26 are illustrated as annular discs each having a like pluralityof circumferentially spaced radially extending arms 27 mounted thereonfor supporting the trays or tool holders 3, as later described. Suitablebracing members 28 and 29 extend between the end members 25 and 26 toincrease the rigidity of the reel 2.

The tool holders 3 each extend between the end members 25 and 26 of thereel 2 and rotate therewith. The tool holders 3 each are pivotallymounted on a respective arm 27 of each of the end members 25 and 26whereby the tool holders 3 each remain substantially level to retain therespective tools therein during rotation of the reel 2.

The pivotal mounting of the holders 3 on the reel 2 includes a pin ortrunnion 30 which is mounted adjacent a free end of each of the arms 27and extends outwardly therefrom to pivotally support a hanger 31. Thehangers 31 are illustrated as wide straps each having one end pivotallymounted on the respective pin 30 and the other end thereof connected toone end of one of the tool holders 3 whereby the tool holders 3 eachhave opposite ends thereof pivotally mounted for adjustment duringremoval of the forming dies 5 therefrom.

The tool holders 3 may be formed in any desired shape to retain theselected tools therein. Certain forming tools, blades or the like, mayextend the full length of the respective machine 4 and particularly formetal working machines forming dies are available in sections ofsubstantial length, such as l feet to 20 feet with suitable incrementstherebetween, whereby the forming dies are heavy and would requiresubstantial manpower to remove the forming dies from the tool holders 3and install same in the respective metal working machines, therefore, aselected group of the tool holders 3 has a plurality of longitudinallyspaced rollers 32 mounted therein for movably supporting elongated toolstherein. The rollers 32 permit a single operator to move long formingdies 5 from a selected tool holder 3 after same has been aligned with atool receiving portion of the metal working machine 4 by rotation of thereel 2, as later described.

Forming dies are also available in relatively short sections, such as 4to 8 feet and suitable increments therebetween, and such short sectionsmay be manually moved from a selected tool holder 3 and installed in themetal working machine 4, therefore, a second group of the tool holders 3has end partitions 33 mounted on opposite ends of the respective toolholders 3 and a plurality of laterally spaced intermediate partitions 34mounted in the second group of tool holders for form ing a plurality oftool supporting compartments therein.

The group of tool holders 3 having the rollers 32 mounted therein areconstructed and shaped to be substantially rigid members as by havingside portions 35 and 36 positioned to be engaged by and support theforming dies 5 therein. The rollers 32 are each supported on an axle 37having opposite ends thereof supported by hangers 38 and 39 which have aportion thereof suitably secured to the side portions 35 and 36respectively, as by welding, thereby substantially stiffening the groupof tool holders 3 having the rollers 32 mounted therein.

it is preferred to construct the group of tool holders 3 having thepartitions 33 and 34 to permit easy removal of the forming dies 5therefrom as by moving same outwardly through a front side thereof whichrequires that at least a front side member be omitted, therefore, it isnecessary to provide suitable bracing members 40 and 41 connected to andextending between the end partitions 33 to form a truss-like structurebelow the respective trays thereby providing a substantially rigidstructure.

The reel 2 is rotated to position any selected tool holder in alignmentwith a tool receiving portion of the metal working machine 4 and in theillustrated structure, the reel 2 is rotated by a drive motor 42suitably mounted on one of the end frames as, for example end frame 7,by a bracket 43 mounted on the standard of the respective end frames.The drive motor is operative to rotate a driven shaft having anoperative connection with a speed reduction unit 44 also supported onthe end frame 7, as by being mounted on the base member 9 thereof.

In the illustrated structure, the motor 42 rotates a driven shaft andsprocket 45 mounted thereon. A chain 46 is operative to transmit powerfrom the sprocket 45 to a sprocket 47 on the speed reduction unit 44whereby rotation of the sprocket 47 is operative by means of suitablegears (not shown) within the speed reduction unit 44 to effect rotationof a sprocket 48 on a shaft extending from the speed reduction unit 44.The rotation of the sprocket 48 is at a speed to permit precisealignment of any selected tray 3 with the die receiving portion of themetal working machine 4.

The illustrated drive means for rotating the reel 2 includes a pair ofchains 49 engaging the sprocket 48 and a plurality of circumferentiallyspaced sprocket portions 50 mounted on the end member 25 of the reel 2whereby operation of the drive motor 42 is operative to rotate the reel2. In the illustrated structure, the sprocket portions 50 are mounted onan exterior surface of the end member 25 and are positioned between thefixed ends of the arms 27 mounted on the end member 25.

The chains 49 are preferably covered to protect an operator of the toolstorage device 1 during rotation of the reel 2 and during removal of thetools from the holders 3, therefore, a guard 51 is mounted on the endframe in covering relation with the chains 49 and extends between andhas opposite ends connected to the base member 9 and the standard 10thereof with a lower end of the guard 51 being inwardly of the frontbracing member 1 l and an upper end of the guard 51 being inwardly ofthe standard 10. The guard 51 is effective in increas ing the rigidityof the frame 6 particularly at the driving end thereof.

It is desirable to control the operation of the drive motor 42 forselectively positioning any of the trays, therefore, control units 52and 53 are mounted on the end frames 7 and 8 respectively. Each of thecontrol units 52 and 53 have a pair of push button switches 54 and 55operative to effect clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the reel2 respectively. The control units 52 and 53 are electrically connectedto a control box 56 having suitable circuits (not shown) electricallyconnected to the drive motor 42 by means of a conduit 57 and to asuitable source of power by means of a conductor 58.

Preventing damage to the drive motor 42, the frame 6, and forming dies 5is important in the event that one or more forming dies extend beyondthe respective end of the trays 3 to a position engageable with the endframes 7 or 8 during rotation of the reel 2, therefore, torqueresponsive means are operatively connected to the reel rotating means tostop the reel 2 in response to restriction of free rotation of the reel2. The torque responsive means are in the form of a suitable overload,such as a circuit breaker, provided in the control box 56 to stop thedrive motor 42 in the event that the tool is moved into engagement withthe frame 6.

In operation of a tool storage device 1 constructed as illus' trated anddescribed, the device is manually maneuvered into a position adjacent ametal working machine 4 or between a pair of spaced metal workingmachines 4 and the tool storage device 1 is suitably held in position asby a locking device 59 which is engageable with the front and rearrollers or casters 20 and 21. When a selected tool is to be removed fromthe storage device 1, one of the push button switches 54 and 55 isoperated to rotate the reel 2 thereby moving any selected tool holder 3to a position for removing the tools, such as a cooperating pair offorming dies 5. If a long forming die is to be removed from the toolholders having the rollers 32 therein, the respective tool holder 3 ismaneuvered into precise alignment with the tool receiving portion of themetal working machine 4 and the blade or die is moved longitudinallyfrom the tool holder by means of the rollers 32. The selected toolholder 3 may be adjusted in position as by being swung about the pins ortrunnions 30 extending from the respective arms 27 for the precisepositioning of the tool or forming die within the metal working machine.

It is to be understood that while I have illustrated and described oneform of my invention, it is not to be limited to the specific form orarrangement of parts herein described and shown.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A tool storage device for use with a metal forming machinecomprising:

a. a supporting frame having a pair of longitudinally spaced upstandingend frames;

b. a reel between said end frames and rotatably mounted thereon;

c. a plurality of circumferentially spaced tool holders mounted on saidreel, each of said tool holders having portions therein supporting toolsfor use in a metal forming machine;

d. means operatively connected to said reel for selectively rotatingsame to position a selected tool holder for removal of tools therefromto a location in the machine; and

e. certain of said tool holders having a plurality of longitudinallyspaced rollers mounted therein for supporting tools for movementlongitudinally of said certain tool holders into a tool receivingportion of the metal fomiing machine.

2. A tool storage device for use with a metal forming machinecomprising:

a. a supporting frame having a pair of longitudinally spaced upstandingend frames;

b. a reel between said end frames and rotatably mounted thereon;

c. a plurality of circumferentially spaced tool holders mounted on saidreel, each of said tool holders having portions therein supporting toolsfor use in a metal forming machine;

d. means operatively connected to said reel for selectively rotatingsame to position a selected tool holder for removal of tools therefromto a location in the machine; and

e. means on said reel supporting said tool holders for swinging sametranswersely of said reel to longitudinally align said tool holders witha tool receiving portion of a metal forming machine to permit moving atool longitudinally of said reel into a tool receiving portion of themetal forming machine.

3. A tool storage device for use with a metal forming machinecomprising:

a. a supporting frame having a pair of longitudinally spaced upstandingend frames;

b. a reel between said end frames and rotatably mounted thereon;

c. a plurality of circumferentially spaced tool holders mounted on saidreel, each of said tool holders having portions therein supporting toolsfor use in a metal forming machine;

d. means operatively connected to said reel for selectively rotatingsame to position a selected tool holder for removal of tools therefromto a location in the machine;

e. a plurality of longitudinally spaced rollers mounted in certain ofsaid tool holders thereby supporting tools therein for movementlongitudinally of said certain tool holders into a tool receivingportion of the metal forming machine; and

f. a plurality of laterally spaced partitions mounted in other toolholders thereby forming a plurality of tool supporting compartmentstherein.

4. A tool storage device for use with a metal forming machinecomprising:

a. a supporting frame having a pair of longitudinally spaced upstandingend frames;

b. a reel between said end frames and rotatably mounted thereon;

c. a plurality of circumferentially spaced tool holders mounted on saidreel, each of said tool holders having portions therein supporting toolsfor use in a metal forming machine, certain of said tool holders havingan open end for movement of tools supported on the holder longitudinallytherefrom;

e. means mounted on certain of said tool holders for moving a toolsubstantially in a line longitudinally of said reel through a holderopen end and into a tool receiving portion of a metal forming machine.

5. A tool storage device as set forth in claim 4 wherein:

a. said reel has longitudinally spaced end members each having a likeplurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending arms mountedthereon; b. each of said arms has a hanger pivotally mounted adjacent afree end thereof; and

c. said tool holders each extend between said end members and haveopposite ends thereof supported by respective hangers whereby said toolholders are mounted for adjustment transversely of said reel duringremoval of tools therefrom.

6. A tool storage device asset forth in claim 5 including control meansoperatively connected to said reel rotating means for selectivelypositioning any of said tool holders in longitudinal alignment with atool receiving portion of the metal forming machine.

7. A tool storage device as set forth in claim 6 wherein said reelrotating means includes:

a. a drive motor;

b. a speed reduction unit;

c. means operatively connecting said motor and said speed reductionunit; and

d. second means operatively connecting said speed reduction unit andsaid reel.

8. A tool storage device as set forth in claim 4 including responsivemeans operatively connected to said reel rotating means to stop same inresponse to restriction of free rotation of said reel.

9. A tool storage device for use with a metal forming machinecomprising:

a. a mobile supporting frame having a pair of longitudinally spacedupstanding end frames and connecting members extending therebetween,said frame being open in a front portion thereof and said end frameseach having a substantial open area;

b. an elongated reel between said end frames and having an axle havingopposite ends rotatably mounted thereon, said reel being positioned foraccess thereto through the front of said frame;

c. a plurality of longitudinally extending circumferentially spaced toolholders pivotally mounted on said reel for movement transversely of saidreel and having portions therein supporting tools for use in a metalforming machine;

. means operatively connected to said reel for selectively rotating sameto longitudinally align any selected tool holder with a tool receivingportion of a metal forming machine;

e. a plurality of longitudinally spaced rollers mounted in certain ofsaid tool holders thereby supporting tools therein for movementlongitudinally of said certain tool holders into a tool receivingportion of the metal forming machine;

f. control means operatively connected to said reel rotating means forselectively positioning any of said tool holders in longitudinallyalignment with a tool receiving portion of the metal forming machine;and

g. responsive means operatively connected to said reel rotating means tostop same in response to restriction of free rotation of said reel.

1. A tool storage device for use with a metal forming machinecomprising: a. a supporting frame having a pair of longitudinally spacedupstanding end frames; b. a reel between said end frames and rotatablymounted thereon; c. a plurality of circumferentially spaced tool holdersmounted on said reel, each of said tool holders having portions thereinsupporting tools for use in a metal forming machine; d. meansoperatively connected to said reel for selectively rotating same toposition a selected tool holder for removal of tools therefrom to alocation in the machine; and e. certain of said tool holders having aplurality of longitudinally spaced rollers mounted therein forsupporting tools for movement longitudinally of said certain toolholders into a tool receiving portion of the metal forming machine.
 2. Atool storage device for use with a metal forming machine comprising: a.a supporting frame having a pair of longitudinally spaced upstanding endframes; b. a reel between said end frames and rotatably mounted thereon;c. a plurality of circumferentially spaced tool holders mounted on saidreel, each of said tool holders having portions therein supporting toolsfor use in a metal forming machine; d. means operatively connected tosaid reel for selectively rotating same to position a selected toolholder for removal of tools therefrom to a location in the machine; ande. means on said reel supporting said tool holders for swinging sametranswersely of said reel to longitudinally align said tool holders witha tool receiving portion of a metal forming machine to permit moving atool longitudinally of said reel into a tool receiving portion of themetal forming machine.
 3. A tool storage device for use with a metalforming machine comprising: a. a supporting frame having a pair oflongitudinally spaced upstanding end frames; b. a reel between said endframes and rotatably mounted thereon; c. a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced tool holders mounted on said reel, each of saidtool holders having portions therein supporting tools for use in a metalforming machine; d. means operatively connected to said reel forselectively rotating same to position a selected tool holder for removalof tools therefrom to a locatIon in the machine; e. a plurality oflongitudinally spaced rollers mounted in certain of said tool holdersthereby supporting tools therein for movement longitudinally of saidcertain tool holders into a tool receiving portion of the metal formingmachine; and f. a plurality of laterally spaced partitions mounted inother tool holders thereby forming a plurality of tool supportingcompartments therein.
 4. A tool storage device for use with a metalforming machine comprising: a. a supporting frame having a pair oflongitudinally spaced upstanding end frames; b. a reel between said endframes and rotatably mounted thereon; c. a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced tool holders mounted on said reel, each of saidtool holders having portions therein supporting tools for use in a metalforming machine, certain of said tool holders having an open end formovement of tools supported on the holder longitudinally therefrom; e.means mounted on certain of said tool holders for moving a toolsubstantially in a line longitudinally of said reel through a holderopen end and into a tool receiving portion of a metal forming machine.5. A tool storage device as set forth in claim 4 wherein: a. said reelhas longitudinally spaced end members each having a like plurality ofcircumferentially spaced radially extending arms mounted thereon; b.each of said arms has a hanger pivotally mounted adjacent a free endthereof; and c. said tool holders each extend between said end membersand have opposite ends thereof supported by respective hangers wherebysaid tool holders are mounted for adjustment transversely of said reelduring removal of tools therefrom.
 6. A tool storage device as set forthin claim 5 including control means operatively connected to said reelrotating means for selectively positioning any of said tool holders inlongitudinal alignment with a tool receiving portion of the metalforming machine.
 7. A tool storage device as set forth in claim 6wherein said reel rotating means includes: a. a drive motor; b. a speedreduction unit; c. means operatively connecting said motor and saidspeed reduction unit; and d. second means operatively connecting saidspeed reduction unit and said reel.
 8. A tool storage device as setforth in claim 4 including responsive means operatively connected tosaid reel rotating means to stop same in response to restriction of freerotation of said reel.
 9. A tool storage device for use with a metalforming machine comprising: a. a mobile supporting frame having a pairof longitudinally spaced upstanding end frames and connecting membersextending therebetween, said frame being open in a front portion thereofand said end frames each having a substantial open area; b. an elongatedreel between said end frames and having an axle having opposite endsrotatably mounted thereon, said reel being positioned for access theretothrough the front of said frame; c. a plurality of longitudinallyextending circumferentially spaced tool holders pivotally mounted onsaid reel for movement transversely of said reel and having portionstherein supporting tools for use in a metal forming machine; d. meansoperatively connected to said reel for selectively rotating same tolongitudinally align any selected tool holder with a tool receivingportion of a metal forming machine; e. a plurality of longitudinallyspaced rollers mounted in certain of said tool holders therebysupporting tools therein for movement longitudinally of said certaintool holders into a tool receiving portion of the metal forming machine;f. control means operatively connected to said reel rotating means forselectively positioning any of said tool holders in longitudinallyalignment with a tool receiving portion of the metal forming machine;and g. responsive means operatively connected to said reel rotatingmeans to stop same in response to restriction of free roTation of saidreel.